Here are my rules (because I'm the boss of me and I get to choose my rules):

From now until January 1, 2012 I am not allowed to buy any retail products except food and toiletries.

I'm allowed minimal cleaning products like soap, toothbrush, shampoo but I'm going to try to only use those that minimize packaging and harmful chemical use. I say 'harmful' chemicals because everything is made of 'chemicals'...and has genes at atoms and all that jazz :)

Crafting must now be from second hand and thrifted finds. But I'll allow a tiny bit of glue or thread purchases if I run out AND I'm making something with a practical use that will prevent me buying something new. I must use all available materials first.